Reviewed on Richard & Judy on Wednesday 23 July 2008.

An adventure-cum-love story well balanced between narrative, description and comment with an intriguing tale bound round the history of Jamaica. It is about the illegitimate daughter of Errol Flynn so laced with glamour and some real character appearances (Noel Coward, Princess Margaret). The story follows three generations of women in one family from the early 1940s to the present but particularly in the era leading up to Jamaica’s independence. It uses the historical events as its framework in a compulsive, fascinating read with lots of colour. It is lovely.

Comparison: Michelle Paver (adult), Victoria Hislop, Rosie Thomas.

Synopsis

'This is a story that could only have taken place in the tropics, where the climate draws sea rovers, pirates and desperadoes from all corners of the world...'

1946: Erroll Flynn is washed ashore in Jamaica, and decides to begin a new life there. Ida Joseph, a local girl, sets her heart on meeting the legendary swashbuckler. Their encounter is one that will change Ida's life forever.

THE PIRATE'S DAUGHTER is an unforgettable story of love and adventure, of the collision between two worlds - Hollywood and Jamaica - and of a mother and her daughter's battle to protect an extraordinary legacy.

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About the Author

Margaret Cezair-Thompson was born and raised in Jamaica, West Indies. Her first novel, the acclaimed The True History of Paradise, was published in 1999, and was shortlisted for the IMPAC Award. She is professor of English at Wellesley College, and lives in Massachusetts. More books by this author Author 'Like for Like' recommendation